Millwall still in pursuit of transfer target pair

MILLWALL have not given up hope of signing two of their main transfer targets this summer.

The Lions want to add a centre-back and midfielder to their squad in addition to the five players that have joined on permanent deals already this summer.

Millwall have had a bid accepted for Jake Cooper, but have been frustrated in their attempts to progress any potential deal.

Cooper has been involved in Reading’s preparations ahead of the new season, but the Royals want to sell him to raise transfer funds as boss Japp Stam plots a promotion push after reaching the play-offs last season.

Millwall could also bid again for Southend United's Ryan Leonard, despite mixed signals from the Shrimpers over the player's future. It was reported that Leonard had handed in a transfer request, only for Southend chairman Ron Martin to claim that Leonard then withdrew it. Leonard, however, is determined to play at Championship level and has rejected the offer of a new deal from the club.

The Lions had an offer of £350,000 turned down earlier in the summer, and Southend also recently rebuffed a bid of half a million pounds from Sheffield United for the midfielder.

Millwall could have an advantage over the Blades in the battle to land the player, with former Southend CEO Steve Kavanagh and Leonard’s ex-team-mate Adam Barrett now with the Lions.

And Kavanagh revealed the club are trying to come to an agreement for Cooper. “We’re still hopeful of getting a deal done but because it’s taking so long we’re also exploring other options to make sure that we get the player that we want.

“Jake was one on the list. Yes, we’d like to get it done, but if that’s not possible we’ll have to move on.”